Page 84 of Wallflower in Bloom

Violet shrieked as he came around the doorway of the greenhouse.

“I’m sorry.” He chuckled. “I honestly didn’t mean to scare you.”

She clasped a hand over her heart. “I’m buying you a bell tomorrow.” She bent over, trying to catch her breath.

The low dip of her sports bra left little to the imagination. Her soft stomach dipped in at her waist, and the linen shorts clung to the curve of her backside. His hands itched for her. “You’ve had enough work time today. I can help you catch up later.”

She ran her hands through her hair. “I need a few more hours, and then I should be caught up.”

“I’ll happily help tomorrow. I’ll help all day, every day, as long as I get time with my siren now. I’ve craved you with each atom of my being for the last seven days.”

Her eyes sparkled at him, even as she glanced at the plants next to her. “But—”

He reached over and turned off the lamp. His eyes adjusted to the pitch dark. Soon the bright moonlight came through, dappling her cheeks like a lavender brush stroke.

“Enough,” he said.

Enough of all of this. Enough pretending, enough of dancing around what he wanted and not taking it because he thought it wasn’t for him. Because he was afraid of what a relationship might do to his career.

He’d tell her tomorrow this no-strings arrangement had failed.

He’d developed strings.

Feelings.

Needs for her.

Wanted to see her first thing when they got up and see her face before he fell asleep. Wanted to know what crazy new Fairwick Falls volunteer scheme she’d been roped into so he could help her handle it all.

His hands found their rightful place on her waist, and she slid her arms around him as he brought his mouth down to hers. He pressed a long, slow kiss to her plush lips. He wanted to protect her from everything.

Even himself.

Because he was falling for her, and he couldn’t stop himself from wanting every bit of her.

“I wanted to do that all day,” he murmured. “I missed you this morning.”

She laid her head on his chest, nuzzling her face in. “I missed you since last night.”

He grasped the inside band of her shorts, popped the top button with his thumb, and leaned forward in her ear.

“You’ve got a present.” He rattled the small box next to him. He tugged her shorts closer to him, his mouth hovering over her lips.

She pulled back with a happy smile. “What’s my present?”

His finger fiddled with the elastic of her panties. He wanted to see her out here. Wanted to picture her writhing, coming in the place he’d forever associate with her.

Her greenhouse was tucked back behind her cottage, surrounded by thick trees and the darkness of night. It’d be private enough.

“The Duke’s book last week inspired me.” His hand cupped her breast as she leaned into him, her nipple already hard in her sports bra. He pinched it, and she sucked in a breath.

He kissed the curve of her shoulder and slowly rolled down her zipper.

“But I’m all sweaty,” she said breathlessly.

“Mmm, even better. I love your taste.” He licked a salty path up her neck to suck on her earlobe.

She kissed his forehead. “Presents,” she whispered with a smile.

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